It was an amazingly humbling exercise that I would recommend to every investor, given we are at the top of Markets again in many markets.Here is how I analyzed things.

The Musks of the world have an ax to grind and often swim upstream just because they are in the habit, not because they are exercising critical thinking skills.My view of the right order is to get a good education, get a job with benefits, suck it up and learn for a few years, hopefully something that may help you if you do think real estate is a path you can take - and then buy a house of your own. 

The 1st deal is still ongoing, and I had to exercise my pledge agreement I had on Kevin’s entity as he still hadn’t sold or repaid me.

If you're wrong and prices keep going up or flatten out you can exercise your option.

But, the whole exercise now becomes: at what list price does this property make sense?

I called 8 of them today and NOT one answered the phone and more glaringly one of them the number did not work.Just a gentle suggestion for those starting out at least and or until you have enough deal flow.. but I highly recommend you answer live.and of course double check that your phone is working.. 

For example, the pros list for the desirable duplex may look something like this:Safe locationUpdated kitchenNice viewsLocation proximity to workWasher/dryer in unitDishwasherEtc.If you don't care to do the exercise above, then my short advice is to buy the duplex that you like. 

Tenant-buyer must exercise their option within 180 days.2.

I have a hypothetical question for the community about purchasing a 4-plex that has been zoned for 2 additional units.This is a hypothetical exercise to identify gaps and valuations not currently under consideration.Feedback is appreciated!

The owner is asking for 10K down and 900/month for 2 years, at which point I could exercise the option and purchase the property for 125K.